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; CONFIDENTIALj1"DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
I OFFicE OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20310
4 $ R=1Y L, C. TO 15 August 1968AGAM-P (M) (29 Jul 68) FOR OT RD 682061
SUBJECT: Operational Report - Lessons Learned, Headquarters, 29thGeneral Support Group, Period Ending 30 April 1968 (U)
" = ' do snt oontinr~s iriform 8 ±cn eafr tivg the atie=Ji~,i dof the te $,t. -ihi *b, 7 inns of the.:.en Se o Of theas 1Tit ed c; j S . , : 5 and 79 4.
SEE DISTRIBUTION of t ne
-2inagc LL-, I~ 1 -~ ntent S.in '~O an y~i-s tranSimion or tho re 1t I
n of itz Gontonts
wsner to an unnuthorziad pzrson is prohibited by law.'
1. Subject report is forwarded for review and evaluation in accordance
with paragraph 5b, AR 525-15. Evaluations and corrective actions should
be reported to ACSFOR OT RD, Operational Reports Branch, within 90 days
of receipt of covering letter.
2. Information contained in this report is provided to insure appro-
priate benefits in the future from lessons learned during current
operations and may be adapted fur use in developing training material.
BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY:
1 Incl KENNETH G. WICKHAM
as Major General, USAThe Adjutant General
DISTRIBUTION:Commanding Generals L DCG
US Continental Army CommandUS Army Combat Developments Command
Commandants Al IQ30US Army Command and General Staff College Mp
US Army Ordnance School -
US Army Quartermaster School -US Army Transportation School
Copies furnis'hed:Office, Chief of Staff, US Army .
Deputy Chiefs of Staff Regaded unclassified when separatedChief of EngineersChief of Research and Development from classified inciosure.Assistant Chiefs of StaffResearch Analysis Corporation (Library)
CONFIDENTIAL
PV
DE.""HCONFIDENTIALEADHIUATERS, 29TH (V,,:I. L SUT;OUT OUIT
_ 0 Us FCPLCES 96491
I,. AVCA SG SG O 9 Nay 1968
I I SUBJECT: Letter of Transmittal (U)
Deputy Com.anding GeneralUS Army VietnamATTN: AVHCC-DSTAPO 96375
Commander-in-Chief* US Army, Pacific
ATTN: G0 "- OTArtO 96558
(U) The Operational Report of this headcuarters for the cuarter period
ending 30 April 1968 is forwarded in accordance with Department of the Army
Regalation 1-19 and US Army Vietnam Regulation 870-2i
FCI ThE COM ANNDER:
ROY J. FARE:11AJ, AGOAdjutant
~ I REGRADED UNCLASSIFIEDWHEN SEPARATED FROMCLASSIFIED INcLOSURES
I'I
-~i
CONFIENTIA
HEADItITEI, 9Tq NERAL SUiORT GROWAroU O RCES 96491
AVCA SG GO 9may 1968
O1ERfiTIONAL REF OWr LESSONS LEPRIMD
1. February 1968 to 30 April 1968
(RCS-CSFOR-65)
I) TABME OF CONTENTS
PARAMITH FAGE
Ii SECTION I, SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
A. COiAMAND 1
B. FERSONINEL, AMZINISTRATION, MORALE, AND DISCIPLINE 1
C. INTELLIGENCE AND COUITERINTELLIGENCE 3
D. PLANS AND OIERATIONS 5
E. LOGISTICS 7
F. SPECIAL STAFF SECTIONS 13
1. JUDGE ADVOCATE 13
2. CIVIL AFFAIRS 14
3. S-4 15
4. COR MNICATIONS 17
SECTfON II, COM;.NDR' S 02SMVATIONS ,NI'ECOl, 1,DhLONS
A. PERSONNEL, ADMINISTRATION, MORALE AND DISCIrLINE 18
B. INTELLIGENCE AND COUNTERINTELLIGENCE 22
C. PLANS AND 01 ERATIONS 22
D. LOGISTICS 23
E. JUDGE ADVOCATE 27
-II
i.
! ": - --CONFIDENTIALU .. AVCA SO SG 0
SU-3ECT: Operational Report for Quarterly T eried Ending 30 April 1968, RUS1 CSFCP.65 (U)(1 ,,)
HTHRU:
TO: Assistant Chief of Staff, Forces DevelopmentDepartment of the Armyashington, D.C. 20310
SECTION I
SIGIFICANT EETS
A. COIMMAND:
(U) The 29th General Support Group was engaged in its operational mission
for 90 days of the reporting period.
B. PERSONNEL. ADMINISTRATION MORALE AND DISCIPLINE
1. (U) The personnel strength of the 29th General Support Group at the
end of the reporting period was as follows:
a. Authorized (includes agxentation from USASUITCOM, Saigon).
OFFICERS w EM TOTAL
279 117 6994 7390
b. Assigned (includes aumentation from USASUPCOO, Saigon).
211 99 5629 5939
2. (U) The following awards and decorations were processed for members
assigned to HH1, 29th General Support Group during the reporting period.
a. Lepion of Merit: 1
b. Bronze Star Medal: 3
c. Army Conmendation Medal: 5 DOWNGRADED AT 3 YEAR INTERVALS;DECLASSIFIED AFTER 12 YEARS.
DOD DIR5200.10
CONFIDENTIALII
CONFIDENTIALd. Furple Heart: 0
e. USASU' CO-, SaiU',n Cc.- tifcat. of Ac.i ovement: 5.
3. (U) The Rz'R spaces to areas indicated below, were utilized by per-
sonnel of HHC, 29th General Support Group during the reporting period:
ArEA NO SI ACES UTILIZED
Australia 4
Bangkok 8
Hawaii 20
Hong Kong 1
Kuala Lwpur 0
Manila 0
Penang_ 2
Singapore 1
Taipei 4
Tokyo 0
4,, (U) Military police citations were issued to 22 individuals of HHC,
29th General Support Group during the reporting period. Offenses included
traffic, off-limits, and curfew violations.
5. (U) Fromotions of enlisted personnel assigned to HHC, 29th General
Support Group during the reporting period were as follows:
To Jay Grade: E7 E6 E5 E4 Total
No. of Allocations Received 1 1 13 16 31
No. of EM Promoted 1 1 13 16 31
6. (U) Reenlistment data for HHC, 29th General Support Group during the
reporting period:
a..' Number of' EM who reenlisted: 25
b. Number of EM who redeployed to the CONUS for separation and were
eligible for reenlistment: 53
2
CONFIDENTIAL
O. CONFIDENTIAL.c. Number c. M who redeployed to CONUS for separation and were not
eligible for reenlistment: 0
7. (U) Changes of Key I ersonnel:
a. COL Thomas J. McDonald, OrdC, replaced COL Milton S. Hochmuth,
ILLOrdO, as Group Commander on 6 April 1968.b. The Executive Officer, LTC.Anthohy rkovich, Q1C, was replaced
by LTC Edward M. Ridlehoover; OrdC, on 6 February 1968.
c4 The Logistics Officer, LTC William A. Alfonte, OrdC, departed
on 28 February 1968. The position of Logistics Officer was held temporarilyby Major John Lewis until LTC Robert W. W1aers, OMC, arrived on 19 March 1968
and was appointed the Logistics Officer.
d. LTC Selvyn H. French, CE, was assigned as Chief, Administrative
Division on 11 February 1968.
e. CrT George r. Bentley, AGO, replaced Major Gordon A. Qzawa, OY4O,
on 4 April 1968 as Civil Affairs Officer.
C. INTELLIGENCE AND COUNTERITEUIGNCE
1. (C) Enemy activity during the reporting period was highlighted by the
TET Offensiie., a renewed offensive on the 18th of February, and indications
of development of another mass offensive during the latter part of April.
As of the close of the period this new offensive had not been initiated, but
was still expected for the near future. Harassing and probing actions, and
stand-off rocket and mortar attacks also characterized the enemy effort,
2. (C) A new developnent during the period was the use of 122= rockets
against the Long Binh Pmunition Supply Depot. Un 18 February, 5 March, 13
March, and 1 April the ASD received rocket attacks. On 18 February a pad was
hit by a rocket, causing explosions and ectensive destruction. On 1 April
several rockets landed in the 3rd Ordnance Battalion Cantonment Area re-
sulting in 4 [HA and 2 WHA. The princiral threats to the ASD are stand-off
FCONFIDENTIAL3
CONFIDENTIAL' /2attacks, penetration by -sapper teams, and large pround attacks by V(r or
NVA forces.
3. (C) Major incidants occurring at locations of irk'erest to thls
command during the reporting period were:
a. At 100300 February 1968 Tan An, XS5565, received aprroxi.matelv
250 rounds of mortar fi:'e, followed by a ground attack. An estimated 120
rounds impacted in the vicinity of the 483rd Field Service Comuany laundry
site. Results: 483rd casualties - 1 KHA and 3 1,t4; damave - 2 Eidal units
destroyed and one bath unit damaged. There were a total of 16 friendlies YFA
and 123 VO KIA in the attack of Tan An.
b. At 180106 February 1968 the LBASn received 6 rounds of 122mm
rocket fire and possible mcrtar fire. One rocket hi.t Pad 1-8 (dynamite)
causipg a tremendous cxplosion and st,)rting many fires. At 0145 an estima-
ted 50 - 100 VC were signtcd to the front of Tcwer 15, YT 097098. The VC
blag the fLrst 1two rolls of rire. Friendly pound fire and gunsbins preven-
ted a pnnebration and drove the VC off. Results: 4 US injured; 8 ammunition
pads destroyed (value - $2.7 million). 3 VC WIA, I VP, I (PW) captured
2 AK 47ts., 3 RPG-2 launchers, assorted ammunition, grenades and individul
equipnent and food.
c. At 140048 March 1968, Di An basecamD, vicinity XT 910057, received
27 rounds of 82m mortar fire, A total of 15 US personnel were wounded at the
basecamp. Four (4) rounds impacted in the 3rd Mfaintenance Company area,
wounding three (3.) 3rd Maintenance Company personmel and damaging I messhall.
d. At 010140 Al'il 1968, the 3rd Ordnance Battalion cantonment area
and the ASD received 12 rounds of 122mm rockets. Ten (10) rounds landed in
the ASD and 2 impacted in the cantonment area. There were 4 US KA and 2 WHA.
Three (3) B0Qts were destroye.
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CONFIDENTIALII
e. At approaately 062220 April 1968 a , ton vehicle from the 185th
Maintenance Batt ion was traveling Forth on Highway 15, vicinity YT 090028
when it was hit by a claymore or some tyne of mine. Results: 2 US fRA.
4. (U) The 524th Military Intelligence Detachment conducted Counter-
intelligence Inspections of the 185th Maintenance Battalion and 550th Ord-
nance Detachment during the reporting period. (rounterintelligence measures
were found to be satisfactory in both of these units.
5. (U) The weather during the reporting period was characterized by the
eni of the dry Season and the transition to the Southwest Monsoon. Weather
had little effect on the operations of'the Group.
D. PLANS AND OPERATIONS
1. (C) Support of Combat Operations: During the reporting period the
29th General Support Group provided Logistical Support to the follnoi on-
erations: Yellowstone, San Angelo, and Toan Thang.
a. Operation Yell,7wstone began on 8 December 1967 and terminated
6 February 1968, This operation was covered in the Previous renort ending
31 January 1968, and no new information was developed during the last 6 days
of the operation.
b. Operation San Angelo began on 5 Jan 68 and termi.nated on 9 Veb-
ruary 1968, This operation was covered in the previous renort endinR 31
January 1968, and no new information was developed during the last 9 days of
the operation.
c. Operation Than Thang began on 8 Apr22! and continues at the cut-off
for this report. This large scale operation is bh4ng supported by Supply
point distribution from permanent logistical suport activities throughout
III CTZ. 29th General Support Group augmented 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne
Division Class V point at Phouc Vinh by 2 RT forklifts operators and 4 Claas
7ONFIDENTIAL
Cla ss V suprer for te1t .~ h ~ t~~ihardlers to j~rO. e C ONFIDELENat hAL
Virn Provided ClaSS T_ C sr'ncrt tv) 122~ . ' a S~k.ply point distrillsttion
basis.
2. (0) FeadciwartErs, Lonj' Mmz 1 c--t Cperaticrn Crier N':2-r 1- , dated
15 Lpnrfl 19A8 assigned thz Cc~mffing Oficer, 29th %renera SuppTort G-raou
the resrornsiUJ'iity of Sector Cc=_nder fmi the ecste.rn Portion of icrig 1R-'li
1Fost. This sector is apprm-c:rmately 15 lcl=etcrs !---g 2Ad ii~n1ades tlne Zjith
Supply and Service Battiton 208Sc Ea Area and TDO Yard, the 3rd G-rdniance
~tta1 4 on., lc~ng 3B 1.--mition Fujpply B~e ~LD the 79th Sint-emr-ce
Battalion (C-5), a~the 185th Mainte.-mnce ISattalica., (B~S). Sin-ce the last
:ort the PARwix~r vmnstructien has been accc:lished to uu.rAD de lo.-Z Bin'h
rost defense. :0a1 -_e-za cwstructicn wms ;erfrcrm~d L-y th 159Vn Dagineer
a. I, dcutble rcw cocr~tina ware fence., each rnr consisting cf 3 rolls
of concertina Wire.
b.Fivhtinfr Lumkerz, one *urer zZt1!r mery 150 zeters, f~or
a_ tc--.-1 of 59 bun-kers in the 29th General Srt Grour Sectar.
c. TihrL-6 (3) evch fifty (50) ran cuiek reaction ftrce buzfkers.
d. Access rozds to llwn~ars.
a. lhase UV of 1.01C Idh :ost ieiee ostuto dl .t h
h;unker line to incl.ude the 277th~ Supply and Zer~rice ZeAztta-Ucn, 2M Stcrage
Area, and iHcni Niorth 31:tori Area. I.hen this em se is conrieted afl. of :,ong
IBinh i ost will te surrounded by a barb -wire fn
.3. (U) Unit, Lrrivals and Departures
a. TharinE 'the reporting period two urLzs vere attached. The 48th
AiPU personnel ard oaiz~tarrived in-country on Zt !arch 19683 -with duty
station at fLear Cat. The 378th Maintenance Suipport Corp-any arrived in-counitry
6
CONFIDENTIAL
A
" "- . . CONFIDENTIAL
on 25 April 1968 attached 29th General Suprort Group, UOXy pendlr uub eh- .
ment of a General order, duty station Long Binh.
b. The 67th Light Maintenance Company (nS) (DIv) was attached to the
DA Nang Support Command (Yr ro) by USASIJPCF., Saigon General Order 318, dated
27 March 1968.
c. On 2 February 1968 the 40th Ordniance Comranv (AI.O) was relieved
of attachm-ent this ccr.nd and further attached to the Tna Nang Supnort Command
(PROV) less the 2nd Magazine Platoon (Reinforced) which continues to opeate
the amunition supply point at Tay Ninh ISA.
d.. On 26 April 1968, the 41st; APU moved from its location at Xaun
Loc to Tay Minh.' E. LOGISUICS
£ 1. (C) The Group continued to perform its assigned mission of nrovidrin.
logistical support to non-divisional and certain divisional troons in ARMA
A and B of the II Corps Tactical Zone. However, the volune of sumniv siiD"ort
rendered was down from the previous ouarter as shown by the following com-
parison:
AVE!Irr DAILY ISSUE
125- CLASS I
50o1
*rI0t
2 25
0
o Previous Presenta Qm-rter Ouarter
CONFIDENTIAL
i-
CONFIDENTIAL1I
Class III Issues
200. s95,0j187.
to 150-
100.
* Co
*Previous PresentQuarter Quarter
Class V Issues
I 2.0.
1.56
1.2
* 1.0.
H 0.5-
Previous Present
Qiuarter Quarter
C 8
-CON FIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL2., (U) The decrease in aver. ge daily issues was due to:
a. The transfer of tactic l and sunport units, personnel and eruip-
ment from III to I Corps Tactical Zone. The build up of the I Corns Tactical
Zone and the establishment of the Provisiohai Supp6rt Command at 7)a Mang
tbok place during this r porting period.
b. There was a general decrease in offensive operations during the
present quarter as compared to the previous quarter. For the first month of
this quarter, US Forces were basically in a defensive posture due to the TET
offensive by the enemy. Interdiction of roads prevented the movement of con-
voys and normal traffic and as a result POL consumption was reduced.
3. (C) During the reporting period, the Supply and Service Companies
within the Group received a total 71,693 reouisitions for Class TI and I1
items. Some 309290 or 42% of these were ASL requisitions. The initial fill
from stockage was 12,459, or 41%. Data by month was as follows.
Feb Mar Aur Total
Nurber of Requisitions Received 21,481 28,672 21,500 71,693
Number of ASL Requisitions Received 10,912 10,656 8,722 30,290
Percent of Demand Accommodation 51% 37% 40% 4 42
Number of Requisitions Filled from 3,320 4,765 4,374 12,A59StockPercent of Denand Satisfaction: 30% 45, 50% 41 "
4. (C) The direct support maintenance units throughout the GrouD received
a total of 254,612 requisitions for repair part- during the reporting neriod.
Of this total, 185,289 were authorized stockape list (ASL) itrms. There was
an initial fill of 62,289 (34n) of the ASL requisitions. Dats by month was
as follows; _ -
ICONFIDENTIAL -
9
IJA
10
1 CONFIDENIALh"Feb __ M Mar Apr Total
• Numb~er of Reustin Wee"e.;S0e1,- 1O3,361 80,260 254,612
IiNumber of ASL Requisitions it eceived 52,203 75,939 57,147 185,289
Fi ercent of Denand Accom.odaticn. 73% 73%P 71% 72%f
Number of Requisitions filled from 20,507 23,406 18,376 62,289Stock
Percent of demand satisfaction 39% 31% 32% 34%
5. (C) Logistical support to Operation Yellowstone ended on 6 February
and to Operation San An7clo on 9 February. Ohly one other combat operation
* was directly sup-orted by the 29th General Support Group during the report-
ing period. This was Operation Toan Thang in which the 11th Armored Cavalry
Regiment conducted a search and destroy operation from 15 - 22 April. Log-
istical support for this operation was provided from the Long Binh and Saigon
area by use of dedic.ted air shipments from Bien Hoa and Tan Son Nhut Airbase
and from the 29th General Support Group Logistical Support Activity at 'houc
Vinhc6. (U) In the area of retrograde, there was a decrease in the tonnage
shipped from the previous quarter'- 21,568 S/Tons versus 27,711 S/Tons. This
decrease of 6.,143 S/Tons was due primarily to - (1) the general inability to
move materiel to the port during the first part of February as a result of
the TET Offensive, and (2) the lack of assets at the Collection, Classifica-
tion and Salvage poitt. This condition improved during the last two months
of the quarter as in'.icated by the upward swing in tonnage shipped as shown
on the following charts.
L
CONFIDENTIAL
3.J
S--CONFIDENTIAL
Retrograde ShippedQuarterl3y Total
30
4 20
1 0NI
I Preou Prese'* Quv~te-r Qurter
L.
Retrograde Shipped1 0 r l~ontl Totals
2
SFebApr
E
F-CONFIDENIAL1--
I.I''A
CONFIDENTIAL7. () There is presently a command wide program to up date the armored
persoinel carrier fleet. During this reporting period 206 vehicles were ex-
changed. The propram wi)l be completed when the vehicles of the 25th Infantry
' Divison, 199th Light Infantry Brigade and float vehicles for the 1st Infantry
Division have been, exchanged.
8. (C) Field maintenance deadline rates have shown a 9 percent drop dur-
ing the reporting period. The deadline rate for combat vehicles and artillery
is exceptionally low (4 per cent and 2 per cent respectively.) This achieve-
ment is especially significant when it is considered that demand satisfaction
during the same period was only 34 per cent. This low deadline rate in spite
of poor supply performance can be attributed primarily to (1) intensive manage-
ment of Red Ball and 02 priority requisitions, (2) the extensive use of the
218th CCdS Company cannibalization point as a source of repair parts, (3) in-
creased local fabrication of repair parts, and (4) the recent exchange pro-
grams f-r I48 tanks, M123 armored personnel carriers, and M109 self propelled
15511i howitzers.
9. (C) There was a marked decrease 'in production during February 1968 at
the PA&E maintenance facility which was not operational 1 - 14 February 1968
follmeiig2the ET .Offensive. On 15 February 1968 the facility became opera-
tional with 61% of the work force present. On 26 February 1968 normal opera-
tions were resumed with 87% of the work force present.
10o (C) During the past quarter the units of the 29th General Support
Group were directly responsible for providing the following services:
a. Laundry: 3,560,719 pounds
b. Bath: 262,381 showers
c.. Bakery: 2,483,252 pounds
d. Graves Registration: Handled and processed a total of 730 remains.
j CONFIDENTIAL
'4-
CONFIDENTIAL
(1) U7 Forcies:623
(2) Es World Forces:77
(3) Civilians and OGlG: 30
II. (C) The total of 730 remains proessed represents a 200Z increase
in the numbers of remains handleds, over the past quarterly report. This
rise in remains can be attributed to the TET Offensive conducted in this
area@
12. (u) Th1 Services Section was responsible for the coordination of
Siift support for operation Toan Thang. This operation was in support of
the 11th Armored Cavalry Regimentj and involved a total airlirt requirement
of cvex a million pounds of supplies and eq#4msnt. Twelve dedicated air-
craft were utilized on a daily basis. This system of utilizing dedicated
airlift in support of maj.r operations again -roved to be the only effective
mcov o supply for an air-loo operation.
...,E..,.3. $JT,"FSE.3TI0NS
1. (U) Steff Judge Advocate.
a. On 22 April 1968 the legal clerk for the past year, SP4 William
C. Wohlers, rotated. He was replaced by SP4 David M. Drucker.
b. Noa.Tudicial Punishment for the Cormand:
Feb Mar AM
IHO, 29th Gqeeral Sup,,:t G.votp 1 8 23rd Ordnance Battalion 11 19 2179th Maintenance Battalion 19 30 27185th M'ntenance Battalion 26 11 37266th Supply and Service Battalion 51 51 45Tay Ninh LSA (PROV) 6 12 6610th Maintonance Bai-taon 12 12 22
126 143 160
GRAND 13TAL: /p.29
CONFIDENTIAL
c. Personnel within the c-rnand tried by courts-martial:
bG r (1) General Courts Martial: One r nber of the command was tried
by Gereral Court Martial during the reporting period., it was convened by the
Commanding General, lst Logistical Command.
K (2) Special Courts-Hartial:
Feb Mar AprHHC, 29th General Support Group 0 0 13rd Ordnance Dattalion 3 4 179th Maintenance Battalion 2 1 4185th Maintenance Battalion 2 3 1266th Supply and Service Battalion 0 2 2Tay Nih LSA (I-ROV) 0 0 2610th Maintenance Battalion 0 1 1
7 1112
GRAND TOTAL: 30
(3) Summary Courts Martial:
.Feba - rHHC, 29th General Support Group 0 0 03rd. Ordnance Battalion 0 1 0
'/'th Maintenance Battalion 1 1 0.85th Maintenance Battalion 3 0 0266th Supply and Service Battalion 4 1 0Tay Ninh LSA (TROV) 0 0 0610th Iintenance Battalion 0 0 0
8 3 0
d. Legal assistance rendered totaled 176 actions, including 121
interview, 41 instruments drafted and other miscellaneous services.
e. During the reporting period this office supervised claims ad-.
ministration and inve.tigation within the Group. Five Article 32 Investiga-
tions were conducted by the conLmand.
(U) Civi . Affairs
a1 Civilian Labor:
(1) Permanent Hire: During the period 1 February 1968 to 30 April
1968 this section administered an average of 1409 Local National (Direct
V.S .. CONFIDENTIAL
Hire) Employees. These personnel were employed in fifty six different job
descriptions. An augmentation to the TDA WCAYAA99 for Local Natior.al Em-
ployees was developed and submitted for approval on 2 May 1968. If this is
approved the number of Local National Employ as will be increased from 1389
to 1650.
(2) The USARV Program 5 Civilianization (Local National Substitution
rlan) was termirlated. It was not deemed practicable at this time.
(3) AIK (Daily Hire) Laborers: This section administered an
aver-ge of 493 AIK (Daily Hire) Laborers per month during the period 1 February
1968 o 30 April 1968 with an average payroll of 1,179,200 VN per month.
b. Civic Action: (1) This office collected from HHC, 29th General
Support Group and all subordinate battalions of the Group a total of 1,637.30
MFC and 35,240 $VN during the TET Agi'ession Relief Program Fund drive.
This noney is in the process of being distributed to Local National Employees
uio suered property loss or damage during the TET Offensive.
(2) The village 2au Hang was relocated and is in the process of
bei-.-zc rebuilt with assistance from the 19th Light 11aintenance Company of the
185th Maintenance Battalion
(3) The Civic Action Programs coordinated by this section during
the period I February 1968 to 30 April 1968 furnished the monetary equivelent
of approximately 136,200 $V11 in aid and assistance
3. (0) S-4
a. Significant activities in 29th General Support Group base develop-
ment include:
(1) The construction of a new work point for the 218th CC&S
Company
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CONFIDENTIAL
400 ' (2) The move of the 185th Maintenance Battalion into their new
I Jfacilities in the M&S Area..
I V (3) The construction of a retail POL point on Route 15 for opera-
tion by the 266th Supply and Service Battalion.
b. The 507th Engineer Detachment, the R&U Engineer Betachnent from
USASU'COM, Saigon) nearly completed the wash rack for the wash rack for the
218th Cce& Company. The point is located south of Bradley Street in the M&S
Area of Long Binh Post. The point consists of a hard stand of 7000 square
yards with a 2400 square feet wash rack in the center of the hard stand. Fre-.
sently two steam clearners are being used at the wash rack but these will be
replaced by a steam boiler fabricated from a lOOhp boiler. The point became
operational the week of 28 April 1968.
c. The 185th Maintenance Battalion began its move into their new
mainteriance area just south of the 79th Maintenance Battalion area. The
seven 701 X 140: buildings and surrounding hard stand were constructed by RP11
Corportation with assistance on the hard stand from the 159th Engineer Group.
As of 30 April 1968, IBISC less the tech supply section, 140th Heavy Mainten-
ance Company and the 61st Heavy Equipment Maintenance Company had moved into
their new facilities. Execpt for the 19th Light Maintenance Company facilities
for the remiining companies of the 185th Maintenance Battalion are still in
the planning stage.
d. The 507th Engineer Battalion in conjunction with the 266th Supply
and Service Battalion began construction of a rL tail POL point on Route 15
between Bradley Street and Marshall Street. The facility includes three 500
BBL IVOL Tanks and will be used to alleviate the load on the present retail OL
point near gate number three.
* I CONFIDENTIAL
Fr
4-x
I
- CONFIDENTIAL4 (C) -I
a. Duriznv the perlrzifthe e&4 tlti ci section co:%Urjed
to operate the 3intermlc cai~ s-s-tezs, cdcr-g cc .r.! d cixrol
facilitles to sub-ordimazlz eens (Se-- I1s=-rie 3)
Tfraffic I-o-cessed at G-moup z-s
(2) Raao Teletype
bi. -di2 av.-- este~bliolmocft, ol. a xneaw- ipm.=4 &efezsz -Szts= rt Z~g
- 10an trot hz. -ccnicaU.'ms (See ns-e 4).
CONFIDENTIAL
-. SECTION II
I
1. (U) Item: Personnel
OBMFWj1tTOI: a. in the officer area the 29th Group authori2ation
has i.ncreased by four to 279 since the last report, but of some concern is
the fact that the assigned officer streng'i has decreased by 22 to 211
assigmed or a percentage of 75. In particular the current shortage of 5
officers in the grade cf O-4 leaves a void in experienced officer to fill
critical staff positions at the Headquarters and as Battalion Executive
Officers.
b. Th total authorization for 3-1 decreased from 7,219 to 6,994
-While the assigned strength decreased from 6,398 to 5,629 leaving the
Grom at 81% of enlisted strength,
EV.IL1 TION: a. On the suffcace 81% -oesn.n appear to be critical
w"ia-_ *with the dezonstrated ability of the Group to adeouately perform all
missions. Bt it should be noted that the 218th CC&S Company of the 79th
lMaintenance Battalion, must be maintained at approximately 250% of auth-
orized enlisted strength to accomplish their increased mission in the field
of retrograde. These additional perscrmel are drawn from other units both
within the 79th Ma intenance Battalion as well as from other Battalions.
b. The -mn!_!ng level for the 218th 6C&S when coupled with specific
MOS shortages throuhout tie 29th Group does present a critical problem.
Among the more serious H0S shortages are.
Electrical Repairman
Field Radio Repainan
Weapons Supporb Repairman
Fire Control Computer Repairman
Electrical Instru-nt Re-ioziran
Ar"illery Repairman
Baker
Engineer Equipment Repairman
POL Storage Specialist
Armunition Handler
a. Although the missions arc adequately accomplished it is felt t.
that there are far too many instances of 'ttoo little arriving a little too
late", all becauls of the shortage of personnel.
R2CORCI, !%TION3: a. There must be constant analysis of the personPQ2
situation at all levels (both r.ilit,-y and civilian) in order. fo shift
porsormel to the areas of the greatest need, such as the 218th in the part-
ieuiai- case cited above. 'kills as well must be considered as the require-
ments may call for cross t.-ain-.ng of persor-nel,,. As far as the officer eitutation is concerned and the probability
of b .-ing great voids in experience because of the stretch between 0-3 and
0-'- strong- consf-deration should be given to ignoring tLechnical service lines
orer to fill key staff positions, to include Battalion Executive Officers,
wtith available officers who have the overall e:xperionce in terms of years
of service.
2. (U) Item: AdrdnJ,rati ,n
OBS.Vi-TION: The internal affairs of t.,; Group, as divorced from
the operational areas of supply and maintenancc are complex to say the least.
There is the Adjutant to include military personnel; S-4 for internal supply,
organizational mai cnance, base development and food service; Chaplain
-activities; Civil ffairs (to include indigenous civilian labor) which has
an effect on military personnel; and Staff Judge Adiocate activities.
I ____ _________________
EVALUATION: These sections represent far too great a sphere of control
for the Group Executive Officer when it is considered therb is the SPO,
HQ & HQ Company as well as the rbread and butter" of the organization, i.e.,
logistics and maintenance to be controlled and corrdinated by the Executive
Officer.
RECO MENDATIONS: The assignment of a branch or division chief (this
headquarters has installed a Chief, Administrative Division) to supervise
and coordinate the internal activities will reault in more effective control
and permit the Executive Officer the opportunity to adequately perform those
A functions nozially associated with the Executive Officer who is in effect a
Deputy to the Commander and rates the subordinate battalion commanders.
(NOTE: This has proved most effective within this command during the period
of this report, uith an officer assigned-to the duties of Chief Admin, there
has been a marked degree of improvement which has resulted in more effective
planning and policies. This is particularly true in the areas of Civil
Affairs and the analysis of the personnel situation).
3. (U) Item: Morale and Discipline
OBSERVATIONS: a. The morale of the command is good. However, it
-should be noted that since the TET offensive many areas have been off-limits
and severe curfews established. As an example, t~e city of Bien Hoa was
the most popular city for off duty recreation for the troops at Long Binh,
where this headquarters and four assigned Battalions are situated. The
placing of this city and adjacent villages off-limits has had a deleterious
effect on the morale of the troops, A direct result of this is the increase
in the nunber of delinquency reports, i.e,, the rate for February was 12.9
per thousand; for March it increased to 29.8 per thousand and an April rate
of 24. per thousand.
K2
I " 1. -,, .
i I
•This resulted from the long period after T2. wn it apeared that actual
attacks ana cc xacto ozea in u -t _. cinit were so infrequent
as to seem remote. With this interpretation by the troops more chances were
taken at stopping in off-limits areas, violating curfew restrictions, etc,
the natural consequence being the increased rate.
b. This trend is also reflected in the steady increase in non-
judicial punishment and Special Court Martials (set: Section I para F).
The decreae in Su- ary Court Martials is due solely to 1st Log Regulations
which prohibit Sunary Courts except in cases where Article 15 action is
refused.
EVALUATION: a. On the plus side the reenlistment program, as re-
:lected below, is outstanding in all areas except df indictees which is
difficult at best.
First Ten RCst Uareer RATs AUS Inductees NG USkR Reserve
Elig Elig EligFeb 0/0 E-l 12/12 En). 31/3 En) 2/2 En)
E.Elig Elig Elig Eigar" 00 Enl 57/1 En) 4/0 E/ n
Apr, 1~ ~ BgBgA ErLI
b. Extensive Chaplains coverage throughout the Group is another
item worthy of note. As an indication of this coverage the Group Chaplain
accomplished the following during the period covered by this report:
Total
Staff Visits 61
Conferences, retreats and councils 80attended
lorship seavices conducted 32
holy Ponmiunon celebrated 7
OParactor Gtudane' clas§e4 taught 5
I Hospital visits 7
Stcckacre visi.s 6
Counselling Sessions 153
Intervie. s 786
RE.204DaTIONS: Added emphasis should be placed in the areas of
F-M Clubs, AMc Programs, Day Rooms and the R&R Program in order to provide
more wholesome outlets for off duty recreation. although the morale is
good, an overall analysis of the morale and discipline within the comnand
indicates that more should be done for the soldier and consequiently programs
should not be of the stop-gap variety but continuing in nature.
NOI
C- PLXT hI4D OPE..TIONS
1. (U) Item: Support of Combat Operations "Operation Yellowstone and
Sem ngel - sea after action reports attached as Inclosure 1 & 2)
OBS1V'ATIOH1: These operations were covered4 in the previous quarter .
They are included now because the operations terminated on 6 Feb 68 and 9
Feb 68. No now observations wcre developed.
EVMLUATION" NONE
RECOJThEND.-jONS: NON
2. (U) Item: Retuvi of F,1 Personnel and Equipment
OBSERVATION: The subject of dedicateA aircraft in support of
tactical operations has been discussed in previous ORLL's, and Operation
Toan Thang proved this system to be effective. In the planning stage,
air craft are set aside on a daily basis to initially pre-stock forward
support areas with personnel, equipment, and supplies. Daily airlift is
scheduled, basec on anticipated demands and is usually very satisfactory.
EVJTflATI1-7: A .rrooln results uron an of an orration when
the dedicated airlift ceases. It is then the responsibility of the operat-
ing elements, i.e., FSA Cor nader to reouest airlift for return transportation
of personnel, equipment, and supplies back to their parent unit. This recuest
must go in on an 01 priority, amd somet'irs a unit will wait two to three
weeks before its personnel and equipment are finally returned. This results
in a tremendous loss of man power and equipment hours.
RECUMEDATIONS: It is recommended that when planning for a major
tactical operation involving the deployment of an FSA, consideration be given
to dedicated retrograde airlift upon termination of the operation, and that
the re-deployment of logistical support personnel and ecluipment be included
in the plan which provides transportation for the tactical unit supported.
D. L:,GISTICS:
1. (U) Item: Tanks, M-4 82C received in exchange program required in-
stallation of vision rings,
OBSERVATION: The M-48A2C tank was prograrned to replace the M-4SAc
'tanks assigned to the 11th ACR. The replacement vehicles were received minus
vision rings. The rings iiere shipped seperate y and were installed by maint-
enenace personnel of this group.
RECMOOfMDATION: That equipment for replacement of exchange program
be shipped with all viuipment and devices installed.
2. (U) Item: Return to user program of 14-48A3 tanks.
OBSERVATION: The program was established as a result of the exchange
of M-48A3 tanks with M--48A2C tanks. Technical Lnspection revealed that
approximately 400 man hours per tank would be required to return these vehicle,
* to'a ready for issue condition. The program is further complicated since no
I _ _ _ - - _ __
-". ASL exists at General Support level. The 79th Maintenance Battalion recently
* received the authority to repair ballistic drives, infrared systems and
articulate periscoj:es. However, the required fixtures to facilitate repairs
are not on hand, but are on requisition. The lack of the required fixtures
results in the 79th 1.aintenance Battalion having to retrograde unserviceable
fire control components to CONUS and the requisitioning of replacements.
EVALUATION: cExperience has shown that repair parts receipts are
slow and as such delays in the repair of the 23 M-48A3 tanks can be expected..
The present General Support Frogram published by 1st Logistical Conmand does
not include the repair of M-48t3 tanks. The introduction of this repair pro-
gram will adversely affect published General Support Irogramso
RECOMN-1DATION: rrograms of this nature must be prograrmed far in
advance so as to allow for proper maintenance planning. It is further recom-
mended that the 23 1-4A3 tanks presently on hand in the 79th Maintenance
Battal"on be evacuated to a Maintenance facility adecuately equipped and
staffed for General Support repairs of M-4SA3 tanks.
3. (U) Item: Five Ton Nultifuel Engines
OBSER 1 ±TION: Recently the Army Audit Agency conducted an inspection
of retrograde procedures as practiced with five ton mutifuel engines. The
findings of this inspection included: some of the retrograded engines were
uneconomically repairable and should not have been retrograded; some engines
had parts removed without a like part being repl.aced; and many of the engines
were not properly secured in the shipping containers which allowed them to
be damaged during transit.
EVALUATION: The 218th CCCS Company has a limited capability to in-
spect each of tepe engines pr:or, to retrograding them. The most efficient
2i• .
VT- means for insuring that the circumstances =entioned above are not perpetuated
is to require the origirnators of the shipment to meet certain standards.
RECOI.E.NMDATICNS: It is recommended that standards be set and stated
'in a certificate to accompany the engine container. The certificate should
state that the engine is beyond-direct suppo:t repair car-aeility; that no
parts are missing from the engine; and that the engine has been firmly se-
cured in its container so as to preclude damage during shipment. A sample
certificate is showm below:
CERTIFICATE
I certify that engine, serial number
1. Is beyond DS repair capability
2. Has no missing parts.
3. is fi -r.y secure in its container so as to preclude damage during
'shipment.
4. Has been drained of all fuels, lubricants, and coolants.
(Printed name)
(Signature)
S777 o-i, .
(Grade
1" * () Item : Saving of Persornel and Equipment. Laundry Operation.
OBSERVATION: A duplication of effort beteen Services. A servey
conducted by the 7th Air Force sh.ad that a duplicatic n of effort was
being expended between the Army and Air Force on various Air Bases through-
out Vietnam. it was suggested by the Air Force that some of these activities
be consolidated to provide better utilization. A laundry site on the Bien Hoa
Airba je was picked as one of the Army facilities to close. This was accomp-
lithed on 30 April 1968.
V,1LUATION: The results of eliminating this laundry site are
greater ntilization of government resources, and reduction of personnel
and equipment required to do the job.
RECOMI4DATION It is recommended that all service functions
perform-d by Ly units on Air Force installations be reviewed to determine
if they are being duplicated by the Air force,,
5. (U) item: ?recaution Against Increased Reliance on Indegenous
Perso nel mid Vendors in Vietnam.
0BSERVATION: The IET Offensive dramatically highlighted to dangerc
of relying on significant dumbers of local nationals to perform vital
services in a Vietnam type military operation. A case in point was the
processing of personal laundry, a service which has always been largly
performed by Vietnam nationals. The MET Offensive effectively reduced this
service to near zero and normally adequate Quartermaster laundry facilities
were not able to absorb the additional workloca,. The 'situation could have
been even worse if an authorized IN. civilianization program had been fully
implemented in the QM laundries. Fortunately, ouly a few spaces were
converted prior to 31 January 1968.
29
EVALUATION: The breakdown in laundry service resulted in a series of
health and morale problem. Although many soldiers did their own laundry, many
more wore the same clothing several dhys in a row¢ due to either their degree
of involvement in the tactical situation or a lack of ambition and initiative.
RECOMMENDATION: In the interest of insuring continued operation of
vital services and recognizing that the civilianization of non-combat functions
is an important part of nation building, recom.end that contigency plans be
* developed to insure continuation of vital services in the absence of local
national facilities, and/or personnel. These contingency plans would primarily
identify these non-essential services or less essential services that would
be closed or reduced in scope to permit adequate military staffing of the es-sential services. "indivi'duals should L assigned to a specific countingency
slot by rnuw and crosstrained in that job to at least a familiarization level.
E. JUDE ADVOCATE
1. (U) Item: rublication Shortages
*OBSEIVATION: lny forms and publicatinm necessary for the administra-
tion of military justice are in short supply. Orders have been placed repoat-
edly since October for essential forms and publications and to date only one
order has been filled.
EVALUATION: Shortages of forms have reduced the timely administration
of military justice. For example, total exhaustion of the sppply of DA Form,
2627-1 virtually stopped the impostion of punishment under Article 15, UCMJ;
and the unavailability of DA ramphlet. 27-10 has impeded the ability of trial
and defense counsels to do an optimum job in their assigned duties.
RECO12ENDATION: Corriand emphasis on the processipg of publication
requests, at effective levels, would contribute significantly to the timely
and intellieent administration of Military Justice.
": ,'/ L. ,/4 Incl 4HOMS J. McDONALD
as Cr, OrdCCommanding
I°
1
I
€*
i,-
p .
[I *'*-
V
AVCA SGRGO (9 Mmy 68) 134- nd (U)SUBMMT Operaticnal Report for Qea-'terly" ?L- -miag -10 Imrl 1968
(RtsCS iiIE-65) 29Ui Gener-a S.Tport Group
),I, IS Airz Supp-rt Ccmnd, Saigon, APO San -rancisco 96491 16 Nw 1968
TIRU: Co'atnding General, 1st logistical Cocwd, ,0AIO 96
Comandi.g Qenera l, U Amy Vietnm, A O 96375
WKW-3er-i-l-r. -e-, LS ?acific, APO 96553
TO: Assist t Chief of Staff, Force Developnt, epwrtawnt of theArz, Washirgton, D.C. 20310
1. The Operational lreport- eaned for the Q.rter- y Period
Ending 30 April 1968, of the 29th General Support Grop, is forwardedin accordance with1A, 1-3q.
2. Reference: Section II, Para D2: The select iz. of itens on theGeneral Support Productio Progran has seen -4sed on estimates rateJr tbansupply planrdng data. Xan- itens on tbe General Support Pr.od*cion Programwere later frud to be excess to theater requiremnts. In addition =anycrash programs and a heavy D5 back-up support nission has further detractedfrom the GS program. This coand is presentlr conducting a full revew ofthe C Production Program hased on tecdical supply activit 7 experience.
3. Reference: Section iI, Para D3- Istractions received from 1st Logis-tical Cosend required all multiftel engines to be retrograded rer'f!e-z-of condition. It "would be advantaepos to send ineconanicaflv repairableengines to PDO ai inv needed parts could I recovered for reTnir at W orin the CS Production Program. Le responsibility of securing the engineproperly in its container is -ith the DSU making th-e turn-in. -ith thenunter of engines received Oaily by the 218th CC& Co it would -be an exces-sive workload to check each -d every engine; however, -aieauate inspectionsmust 1e made to insure compliance. i4. Reference: Section II, Para D5: It is the conand policy to convertadditional zilitary nan=per spaces to IN. This civilianization prograuwill continue to be implemented and will probahly continue at an ever IL-creasing rate. In the event of the development of another situation like
*.. TE T the 29th Gp does have orgmic capability to provide sufficient xili-ty manpaer to opernite Wq laundries to satisfy bulk laundry reouirements.
=.t"i 1a unqer rjf emal clothing, it is the individual's respon-* ibility to ai rinin health
-. 26
-I -
AVCA SQ GO (9 YA 6 8) 1st Bid (U) .6May 3.968SUBJT: Operational Report for Quarterly Period Ending 30 April 1968
(Rcs CSFmR-65) 29th General Suppori. Group
5. Iescmn Iearned, observations, and recommendatichs are concurred inby this ucomnd, with the exceptions noted above. A copy of this indorse-mnt has been mrovided to ti= o-iginating headauarters,
FGE TEE C UJ
TEL: 1B 2604 FRVW.ICK R. FUCKColmnel, GS. Il Chief of Staff
nc
j 3 1
-'' . CONFIDENTIAL
AVCA GO-O (9 May 68) 2nd IndSUBJECT: Operational Report for Quarterly Period Ending 30 April 1968,
(RCs CSFOR-65)(U)
DA, Headquarters, Ist Logistical Command, APO 963842 8 MAY 1968
TO: Commanding General, United States Army Vietnsam, ATTN: AVHGC-DST,APO 96375
1. (U) The Operational 2.Zpo-t - Lessons Learned submitted by Head-quarters, 29th General Support v roup for the quarterly period ending30 April 1968 is forwarded.
2. (C) Pertinent Comments follow:
a. Reference Section II, paragraph Al. Concur. Personnel assign-ments are based on mission requirements; therefore, the percentage ofassigned to authorizeid will be higher in some units than in others.
Officer personnel are assigned by branch and grade. Grade is givenprimary consideration. Officer assignment procedures recommended inbasic report are in effect. No further action is required by higherheadquarters.
b. Reference Section II, paragraph A2. Concur. It is the groupcommander's perogative to organize his headquarters to best accomplishthe mission consistent with prescribed manpower authorization.
c. Reference Section II, paragraph A3(b). The statement that"the decrease in Summary Courts-Martial (SIC) is due solely to 1stLog Regulations -wh ch prohibit Summary Courts except in cases whereArticle 15 action is refused" is patently incorrect. Paragraph 5(b),LC Reg 27-1, dated 12 December 1966, merely requires a conveningauthority to consult with the Staff Judge Advocate prior to referringa case to a Summary Court-Martial when an accused has not been offerednon-judicial punishment pursuant to Article 15. There is no outrightprohibition against trial by Summary Courts-Martial under such cir-cumstances.
d. Reference Section II, paragraph C2. Concur with recommendationthat re-deployment of logistical support personnel and equipment beincluded in the pln for withdrawal of tactical forces from the areaof operation when operating under Air-LOC. Current procedure of re-questing Priority 01 air has resulted in unnecessary delays in extract-ing logistical forces and equipment. Future planning conferences withField Forces on Air-LOC operations wil include plan for withdrawinglogistical forces simultaneously with withdrawal of tactical units.
CONFIDENTIAL
J,
II", .. CONFIDENTIAL
AVCA GO-O (9 May 68) 2nd IndSUBJECT: Operational Report for Quarterly Period Ending 30 April 1968,
(Rcs CSFOR-65)(U)
e. Reference Section ±1, paragraph D1. ision rings _adi normallybe installed on tanks prior to shipment. U48A20 tankt wre issued to the11th ACR on a one time basis to alleviate the tank shortage follo-.ing the
TET Attack, and were issued to a singlo unit to facilitate supply support.Due to the tire limitations of delivery dates established by DA, it wasnot feasible to install the vision ringe prior to shipment.
f. Reference Section I,paragraph D2. Concur ,Ith the recommendationthat maintenance programs be initiated as far in advance as possible toallow for proper naintenance planning. See paragraph 2h bolow for commenton the remainder of the recommendation.
g. Reference Section 11, 2aragraph D3. Concur. The procedure forcertifying 4-he condition o-- vnser-iceablo engines ia best determined bythe L.zin-aance personnel maing the engine exchange. This proceduredoes not, however, ralieva the CC&S anit of the responsibility for per-forming inspections on a sampling basis to insure that nultifuel enginesare propexl packaged fvr shipment. Reconmend this procedure be imple-mented coiutry-vide by hiipher headquartars.
h. Reference Seiti.,n 1i, paragraph D5 and paragraph 4 of 1stIndorsement. honconoiir that the processirg of persoual laundry is
a vital service in a Vietnam type military operation. Tho lack ofconvenient facilities may have a deleterious affect on morale, how-ever maintaining morale and insuring proper sanitation and personalhygiene standards axe command responsibilities. Conur that lessonslearned during any activity should bs 1ie-ed and w-en ";.cpssaryappropriate contingency plans developed by 4ch -anit.
i. The recommendation to evacuate 23 tanhs in poxagraph D2and paragraph El in its entirety are considered inapproprilate forinclusion in the ORLL and should be the subject of sep:zate action,3. (U) Concur with basic report as modified by indorsements. The
report is considered adequate.
FOR THB C01D
TEL: LBN 268/ hIhl,' w*LT
4 Incl. AG(no
Copy Furnished29th Gen Sup Gp 3USASUPOOM, SGN£QFDITA -MODEMA
AVHGC-DST. (9 May 68) 3d Ind CPT Arnold/ms/LBV, 4485SUBJECT: Operational Report for Quarterly Period Ending 30 April 1968,
RCS CSFOR (U) (RS)
HEADQUARTERS, US Adxfy VIETNAI, APO San Francisco 96375 9 JUN 1968
TO: Commander in Chief, United States Army, Pacific, ATTN: GPOP-DT,APO 96553
1. This headquarters haz reviewed the Operational Report-Lessons Learnedfor the quarterly period u., ;ing 30 April 1968 from Headquarters, 29thGeneral Support Group as indor_d.
•,1 2. Comments follow:
a. Reference item concerning five ton multifuel engines, page 24, para-graph D3; 1st Indorsement, paragraph 3; and 2d Indorsement, paragraph 2g:Concur. Determination of condition of multifuel engines must be made at theDSU level. This headquarters will publish instructions that engine cans -dillbe spot checked to insure that engines have been properly secured in shippingcontainers to preclude damage in transit. USARPAC has directed that allmultifuel engines, regardless Pf condition will be evacuated.
b. Reference item concerning savings of personnel and equipment. LaundryOperations, page 26, paragraph S4: Nonconcur. A Joint Army-Air Force Logis-tical Survey Team conducted a detailed survey throughout RVN enring the periodSeptember through November 1967 to determine where logistical functions werebeing duplicated. In cases where functions could be consolidated or performedby either Army or Air Force, recommendations were made by the team to do so.Recommend those findings and recommendations made by the team be implemented,rather than initiating another survey of this 'type.
c. Reference item concerning publications shortage, page 27, paragraph El:Concur. Command interest in adequate and timely publications support has been,and will continue to be emphasized. For a period of' approximately 60 daysduring March and April 1968, DA Form 2627-1 was in critically short supplythroughout Vietnam. As a result comnanders having offset press reproduction jand facsimile camera equipment have now been delegated authority to reproduceDA, DD, and SF blank forms to meet emergency needs. DA Pamphlet 27-10 is
%f
AVHGC-DST (9 May 68) 3d IndSUBJECT: Operational Report for Quarterly Period Ening 3 A.ril 1968,
RCS CSFOR (U) (I)
available through publications supply channel and. sho,.tid be rei,-Uiitioned
by the unit concerned from the USA AG Publications Cente.c 2-1ti m.orc,Maryland.
FOR THE CO14.ANDER:
4 Incl C. S. NAXATSUASj.ne Captain. AGC
Assistant Adjutant Ge,eraCopies furnished:
HQ, ist Log CmdHQ, 29,th Gen Spt Gp
lie,
Ii.
GPOP-DT (9 May 68) 4th Ind (U)SUBJECT: Operational Report of HQ, 29th Gen Spt Gp,
for Period Ending 30 Apr 68, RCS CSFOR-65 (RI)
HQ, US Army, Pacific, APO San Francisco 96558 1. JUL1968
TO: Assistant Chief of Staff for Force Development,Department of the Army, Washington, D.C. 20310
1. This headquarters has evaluated subject report andforwarding indorsements and concurs in the report asindorsed..
2. Reference 3d Indorsement, paragraph 2c: Theproblem of publication shortages will be a matter ofcommand attention to preclude future short supply.
FOR THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF:
4 Inl CA. IORCPT, AGC
no Asst. AG
i'
VCONFIDENTIAL-
TAY NI1H LOGISTICAL SbI'ORT ACTIVITY (PROV). • AVO US Forces 96216
AVCA SGN SG TM O 14 February 1968.
SUBJECT: After Action Report, Task Force Merritt,Forward Support Activity, Katur, RWNI
THRU: Cornxn°nding OfficerTay Ninh LSA (FROV)AFO US Forces 96216
Comranding Officer29th General Support GroupAPO US Forces 96491
TO: Commanding GeneralUSASUT COM, SaigonATTN: AVCA SGN GOAFO US 'Forces 96491
1. (U) References:
a. Letter, Headcuarters, Saigon Support Comrtand, subject CombatOperations, dated 26 July 1967.
b. 29th General Support Group Regulation 210-7 subject Establish-ment and operation of Forward Support Areas (FSA) dated 9 Aug 1967.
c. OFORD, 25th Infant.ry Division, codenane "Operation Yellowstone".
2. (C) Nature of the Operation: Search and destroy missions conductedby elements of the 25th Infantry Division in northern part of Area A, IIICorps Tactical Zone, vic=.nit:y of Katum, RVN.
3. Units Supported:
HO', st Brigade Bn 77 Arty
IHQ, 2nd Brigade 7 Bn 11 Arty2 Bn 14 Inf 3 Bn 13 Arty4 Bn 9 Inf 65 Engr Bn3 Bn 22 Inf 588 Engr Bn2 Bn 12 Inf B Co 25th Med Bn2 Bn 22 'Hech 1 En 49th Inf (ARVN)1 Bn 5 Mech FSA, Katum
CONFIDENTIALV .
.- AVCA SGN'SG TN 0 CONFIDENTIAL Februay 1968
SUBJECT: After Action Report, Task Force Merritt, Y* For,,!ard Enport ...... --ur: ..
4. (U) Length of FSA Surport: 14-17 Decemb'er 1967 wps spent in s. ttingup operational areas. FSA provided support from 17 December 1967 through6 February 1968. 7-10 February 1968 was used for tack hauling of supplies,ecuipment and personnel.
5. (C) lroblem Areas
a. Arrival of Ecuipment: Convoys were initially limited to only5 ton vehicles and under without trailers. This recuired the majority ofFSA eauipment to be scheduled for air lift. Delay in acceptance of airfieldby Air Force inspection Team resulted in four days being lost in setting upequipment for operations of various areas. During period when equipment wasnot available personnel built protective bunkers and the ',ulldozier was usedto build berms for C1 III and Cl V storage, road netwcrk l or surply areas andcleared junple from perimeter of base camp
b. Stockage Objectives: Stockage objectives received thru initialcoordination with 25th Inf Div Supply and Transpcr-ation Battalion were usedas basis for planning and selecting ecuirment to orerate FS.. One day nriorto operation, stockage o: jectives received thru 29th GS Gp cetermined y 1stLop Cord were different- in Class III area. tator chanpes to stock.ge objec-tives were ivade by G-4 25th Inf Div to F.A, Katum for Cl III & V. Thesewere nu. excepted since changerd to stockage ol.jectives was retained at 1stLog Cmd. These changes suLmitited were relayed through 29th General SupportGroup as :ecommer.'ed changes. At one time C1 III stockage objectives maintainedby various headcuarters is shown below.
FSA Katu r 25th Inf Div ]st log Cmd
JY-4 65,000 35,000 45,000Avgas 6,000 6,000 6,000Mogas 15,000 15,000 12,000DF-2 15,000 35,000 24,000
c. Resupply fly Airlift: After initial period of air liftingequipment and some surp7.es to Katun, air lift of supplies decreased wereexperienced due to diverrion of aircraft to other critical areas and re-fusal of aircraft to land because of ground fire &nd mortar attacks. Whilethis initially hindered the FSA, once land LOG we-,. used for resupply nofurther problems existed.
6, (U) Lessons Learned
a. That FSA'S should be controlled at the lowest possible levelof command, .by the logistical base nearest the location of the FSA.
CONFIDENTIAL
40VCA SGIVSG TN 0 IUIiI1 IU L - 14 February 1968
SOBJECT: After Action Report, Tpsk Force MIerritt,Forward Support Activity, iCtuiT. .
b. That land LOC is the oray vry to properly resupply an FSA.Air LOC is too undependable.
c. That necessary transportation must be attpched to the con-trolling headcuarters of the FSA so that the commander not only controlsthe supplies hut also the means of getting them to the FSA.
7. (U) Statistical Data: See Incl 1
8. (C) Task Force Orgarzation:
CSECTION OFFICERS WO EMCommnd & Control 2 0 9Class I 0 0 9Class II & IV 0 0 4Class III 0 0 13Class V .1 0 21Laundry & Bath 0 0 11DS I intenance 0 1 13Graves -Registration 0 0 3Transportation Secuard (Prov) 0TOTAL ~ .3 1 97
S Incl 2 for Organization Chart
9, (U) Layout of FSA Areas: See Incl 3
"A TRUECO' SYLVESTER A. NERMiITT JR.IVAJ , Qm'CFSA, Commander
M4J, TOI Ch, SP&O
CONFIDENTIAL-q ..
CONFI[PENTIAi.-'" "' :Cass I (1(atior. !_.__ee l.ued On Hand
Total A ati6ns 45,060 1".,088Average per day Z.70 2,771 9,013Total C Rations 79,856 65,356 -Average per day 1,536 1,257 15,813TOTAL Rations 224,916 209,444 -Average per day 2,163 2,014 24,846
Total Sundry racks (Each) 1,330 1,330Average per day 25 25
Class II e: IV (Tons)Total Construction 516.75 .516.75-
Average per day 9.94 9.94 52.37Total Fortification 1264.00 1261.0o -Average per day 24.31 24.31 72.81Total II & IV 1780.75 1780.75 -Average per day 17.12 17.12 62.59Class III (Gallons)
Total 0-4 390,800 340,500 -Averape per day 7,515 6,548 44,930Total Avgas 21.300 18,000 -Aic2rage per day 410 346 4,890To6al Mogas 167,700 167,700 -Average per d;y 3,225 3,225 12,290Total Y..esel 232,800 232,800 -Average per day 4,477 4,477 17,190Total PO.. 792,600 759,000 -Average per day 15,242 14, 596 20,075
Class V (Tons)
'TOTALAverage 6395,711 4081.336 -
121.264 76.949 1281.319
Laundry (pounds)
TOTAL Frocessed - 116,360Average per day - 2,238
Bath (showers)D0.:GRADED AT 3 YEAR INTERVALS
TOTAL Showers - 21,570 DECLASSIFIED AFTER 12 YEARSAverage per-day - 415 DOD DIR 5200.10
SCONFIDENTIAL
.. aves Rtegistr aT3on 1,,b jn rocessed, CNIETT7' jL -36US' 33ARVN.-3
CONFIDENTIAL
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CONFIDENTIAL
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.- " -CONFIDENTIAL.. .. " TASBK FORGE SCMgLCK
- --J~.AAUlT US FCPXCES 96291
AVCA S('J VT SB 22 March 1968
SU-iECT: After Action Report FSA, Song Be
TO: Cw-zpa-ning CfficerI Headcuarters, 33d General SupportGroup and Vng, Tau SuLk-Area Coand
0AFO US Forces 96291
*I1. References:
a. s log C=d Reg 525-1, dtd 3 July 1967 with changes, subject:G.rbat Operations.
tr, 1q. USASUC!, Sgn, dtd 26 ju11 1967, subject: Cc-=-atOperations.
2 Nature of Oweration: C=3raticn :San Ancelo" unas a briade sizec-erti i conoducted by the 1--t z-uigade, 2.01st Airborne Division -i-th sup-r.rrting elements of the di-ision. The operation in general -as a clearingi-d Ulockin action ;ith its base elements lccated at Song Be with areas ofoperation eytending northward to the vicinity of the Canbod--n border. TheFSA Coz-_irAer with selected persomnel nade reconraissa-ce of the Song Beairstrip on 13 and 29 Decezber 1967 to select areas and deteTr.Jne -What wasnecessary to prepare the areas for occupe-cy. The FSA moved by (C 130s)from Vung Tau and Binh loa on 5 January 1968 utilizing 30 sorties. rerson-nel ad ecuiy--nt closed at Bns Ee on the evening of 5 Januar-j 1968. i.--
m-ediate priorities for h-rk accomp!isl-ent included erection of tentage inthe canton.ent area, dig.g g and construction of protective and fitngbun-aers, and area clearance for reception of supply stockage. These jobswere sufficiently co_ nted on the 5th of Jazuary to pernt receipt of sup-ples at the rate of 30 aircraft daily co-ncinE cn 6 Jamary 1968. TheFSA raintained a five day level of su-ppies in Cl .as 1, II, i kA and fastmoving Class ii & -- I itens. Additionally, the F.: provided persomnel aug-mentation to the hrigade oerated ASP (21 a0;), lat=dry, bath, graves reg-istration ard fire fighting detachnent.
DO(MIADED AT 3 MI- R TPVAIS. DECLASSIFIED A-?E 12 YEIRS
DOD DIR 5200.10
, -CONFID-ENTIAL
.06A S v1 W CONFIDENTIAL 22 March 19A
3. Problem Areas
a. ''hac deployment date Ivr the FSA did not allow Ii Field ForceEngineers (Co D 168th Engr Bn) sufficient time to prepare logistical areasfor use, i.e., primarily Iberning and construction of three steel IOL tanks,clearing and building up the Class I area and the cutting of a road net-work to facilitate receipt, storage and issue of suppliesa
b. Initial receipt of supplies and ecuipment coming into Song Bewere in many cases not clearly identified as to consignee. As a number ofunits with eouipment and supolies were moving into Song De during this per-iod it resulted in some confusion. This was corrected shortly after arrivaland did not re-occur.
c. The arrival of supplies to stock the FSA vas scheduled by high-
er headcouarters ard did start coming in .ithin 24 hours after arrival of theFSA. This, coupled -with corment (a) avoce caused considerable lacklog atthe airstrip, and subse-,uent reshuffling of supplies to facilitate clear-ing and building of storage areas. it is recommended, tine permtting,that an FSA be given sufficient time after arrival on site to organize itsfacilities prior to receipt of supplies.
d. "Oneration San Angelo" terminated on 9 February 1968. The FSAs..1itted its airbrnft requiremets and TCID' s for extraction of personnel,ecuipmnnt, and supples to Binh Hoa and Vung Tau- An estimated 37 sorties(C 130) uere reouired to extract the FSA. "fith j .)l priority for aircfaft,the first plane load of eouipment and personnel depaarted Song Be on 16 Feb-ruary _:id the last on 8 1-arch; f z a total of 28 days to extract the FSAafter tre operation -.as te.rinated. This resulted in the loss of criticalsddlls P-a; essen-ial equipmenT to both the 29th and 53d GS Groups for anexcessive period of tim.-. It is recormended, where possible, that selectedpersonnel and items of ecuiment considered critical be up-raded for prior-ity shipment.
4. Lessons Learned;a. That an FSA (Air 1oc)? must plan on being slf-sustaining in
all areas for a mni.-mI of fi.o (5) days. This is Darticularly i.mportantin planning requirements for Cl IV barrier L-terials for protective andfighting bunkers.
b. 'dvance coordination between supporting and supported elementsmust be specific and in d-taii as pertains to art:-s of responsibility. ifpossible, these agreements s',tuld -e in writing - preclude later misunder-standing. Some of these coordinating areas are Z- follows:
(!) Stock levels on all items to be held by the FSA.
(2) System of maintenance.
CONFIDENTIAL
I
AvcA s",i " 'CONFIDENTIAL 22 Mar 1968SUBJECT: After Adtion Report FSA, Song Be
i (3, z~n-il~i .izz " ...... _...... ,,.L o supplies.
(4) Services to Le provided and th&'- locations.
(5) Method of control (stock movement, etc).
(6) Defense arrangements.
(7) Liaison arrangements.
(8) Division of responsibilities.
(9) Restrictions (movement, foliage destruction, etc).
(10) Daily routine.
(11) Local procedures.
(12) Friorities of enFincer etfoit.
c. 1When large anounts of supplies in variety are ieing moved byi air, it is imerative that the FSA Commaw~nder establish priorities of ship-
m-it and that these priorities l'e adhered to at the base airfield. This; --J.l Lure that Ltems most needed are on hand in sufficient quantities foroperations and will pre- lude che Luil-.p of relative excesses.
d. In conjunction -th reconnaissance of the supported unit, theFSA Co,...mder should in addition to other considerations, keep the followingr-oints 3n mind w*:en selecting the FSA location:
(1) Current or likely en,-y threat.
(2) Topography.
(3) Location of units to be supported.
(4) Routes available.
(5) Comz.mnicatiena facilities.
(6) ieather.
(7) Defense arranements available.
(8) Air strip capabilities.
(9) Movement of supplies.
C FE I*I-- I
-CONFIDENTIAL
CONF•ENTIA' " ".AVCA S& VT-G1 22 March 1968S1BJ=: After Action Report FSA, Song Be
(10) Services recuiy-ad.
(11) Engineer effort available.
(12) Safety Distances applicatle.
(13) Local labor (if used).
5. Statistical Data: See Incl 1.
SInacl LOY V. SCHRACKas LTC, Infantry
Co- manding
"A MhE CQ1Yl;
ChieZ, S?(O
CONFIDENTIAL
SCONFIDNTIALSTATISTICAL DATA
J.. :-ceil-ts and IssTues: _ . -3 ISSUE-
I Total Average Dal Total Average Dl
Class I (Rations)
A 107.837 2.630 97.076 2.367
B 1.600 39 1.600 39
C 68.214 1.663 57.410 1.400
Class III (Gallons)
JP-4 529.8 13.6 508.8 13.0
IVGAS 18.9 .48 16.1 .41
MOGAS 104,0 2.6 99.8 2.5
DIESEL 136.8 3.5 136.8 3.5
* Class V (Short Tons) Reouisitioned and controlled by tactical unit.ASr Augmented by FSA personnel.
C1.ss IV 512,73s/t 13.4s/t 512.73s/t 13.4s/t
Unit of issue asappropriate
2. Size of FSA Force: Officer, 0 w,, 121 EM, as follows:
Cor-nand and CA-atrol: 2 19
Class I: 21
Class ii & IV 5
Class IIi: 15
Class V: 21
Services: .3
Maintennce: 5
Engineer: 12
CONFIDENTIAL
S- CONFIDENTIAL
3. Services Rendered:
Baths: 40.000
Laundry: 123.000 lbs
Grave Registration: 21 processed
Maintenance Perfornance: Surorted FSA only.
5. Forces Supported:
ist 5 rigade, 101st Airborne Div
2/17 Cav, 101st Airhorne Div
501st Sign Bn, 101st Airborne Div
326th Engr Bn, 101st Airborne Div
Co D, 168th Engr, Ii Field Force
Btry 6/27 Field A.rty
,,Btry.. 2/23,.Field .Y-t-
mI4OV, Song Be
C E I
- CGONFIDENTIAL
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S" 7' - CONFIDENTIA.29TH CUEIPFL SUrFORT MaOM
COM-1UNICATION MIMCRK
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3rd. Ord 9th Maint 85,;h Main 66th -D 1n Bn Bn 3n.
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1 . 29th GS
II *Phouc Ln i a S1tVinh LAIAMitB
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Radio Telet pe so
' -, -CONFIDENTIAL j
CONFIDENTIALI 29THl GEERAL SUrPORTl MROLTJ GROUND DEFENSE SECTOR CC~rMUNICATIONS
ILONG DINH 271*l
r-osT S&S BN TO
eaction GuardForce Bunker
DN -~ iea'octzclon Guard
SOLE~ ~ ~ ~ ForEe TEEHN uk
SMOE USE TLE ONE uk
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CONFIDENTIAL
1. ORIGINA TING ACTIVI TY (*roaoslir o II4LF'OIT SCtTYCLASSIFICAYION
OACSFOR, DA, Washington, D.C. 2010 - CONFIDENTIAL2,GK )UP
3. REPORYT :TL: eo:L:snLad
Oprtoa eot-LstsLand Headquarters, 29th General Support Group
4. OtenmIPTIV9 NOT99(yt fope n nluiedts
Exgine fui nge ncutein syg~c oertos IlFeb-30April 1968 (U)3. AU THORtS) (F00e lnme. mniddle Intil, lost namne)
I CO,.29th General Support Group/
6. RZPORT DATC a OA O FPGS 7.N.O IF
9 May 1968 5I ** ONTAf OR GRANT No. toS. ORIGINA. OR'S REPORT NUMISCRIS)
&.w~jtc~o. .. 682061
I N/A 9b. OTHER REPORT NO(M (Any other nlumbers thotnteybhe asigedthis repot)
d. ... *
90. DISTRIBUTION STATKMCNT
St. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTIES 12. SPONSORING MILITARY ACTIVITY
13.AUTN/T A OACSFOR, DA, Washington* D.C; 20310,
2 * 52
DDI NOV0,1473- .UNCLA S S 3fl 5I)Ili
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